Thursday, August 30, 2007

As many know, I'm a huge fan of The Three Caballeros, the 1944 animated classic starringDonald Duck & Jose Carioca and introducingPanchito. To my surprise while surfing, I came upon a character (Disney's biggest commercial cartoon star) who is celebrating his 50th Anniversary this year! Meet Freshup Freddie, a cocky animated rooster representative of the 7-Up Beverage Company in the 1950s who gave lessons on how to plan successful parties and picnics by having plenty of 7-Up on hand.

Fresh-Up Freddie was the personification of 7-Up's happy slogans "Fresh-Up with 7-Up," "You Like It, It Likes You" and "Nothing Does It Like 7-Up." Freddie dressed in human clothing and sometimes wore a derby, bow tie, vest, slacks, spats, and garter band on his sleeve. Leo Burnett created the Fresh-Up Freddie ad campaign in 1957. By 1958, Freddie made his debut on the popular Disney TV series "Zorro."Walt Disney artists modeled Freddie's cartoon image after the rooster Panchito from the Disney movie "The Three Caballeros." Freddie was supposedly named in honor of Seven-Up bottler Fred Lutz, Jr.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Official photos have just been released for Captain Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow! Both sculptures were unveiled as part of the Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon Event held May, 2007 at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.Captain Barbossa ("Black-hearted Brigand) is the Winter Premiere Event (December 1-2, 2007) Featured Sculpture. A Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 2,500. Captain Jack Sparrow ("Swashbuckling Scoundrel"), an Open Edition release will be making his Special Advance Debut Dec 1 - 2, 2007 at participating dealers of the Winter Premiere Event, supplies limited.Each piece can be displayed on its own, or together as a pair. With Pirates plundering the year, a Winter Premiere Event will be held in lieu of the traditional Fall Premiere Event.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

In the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to finally display some pieces that have been long boxed. Some were displayed and then packed to make room for something new and some were never displayed :(Two that fell in the latter category areMaurice with Lumiere and Beast. These two sculptures displayed together are amazing! I created the image at right to show how I have mine displayed, definitely A Frightening Encounter!

In our discussion on Scene Completer: Special Request(s) for Missing Characters, Koen mentioned the Side Table with Cogsworth, something a group of us discussed when Maurice was released. This would be a perfectscene completer for this grouping! My new campaign? :) Beast was a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 4,000. Originally plan was to release this sculpture as the 2004 Spring Event Sculpture. After much consideration, it was decided Jessica Rabbit would be a more appropriate event vehicle and the Beast's appeal could be better maximized if introduced as an Open Edition item. Original event backstamp artwork was subsequently applied to the manufactured product. As a result, the sculpture has been produced as a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE). During manufacturing, a 'running change' to the backstamp was made to remove any reference to it being an Event Sculpture. Some early items will feature the event reference.

I couldn't help but marvel at this sculpture. Kent Melton did an amazing job in capturing the Beast's muscles within the folds of the fabric of his cape, making for a powerful and dynamic sculpture.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

"will there be a special backstamp on the new Nightmare Before Christmas pieces like they did in previous years?"

Good News! Yes, there will be a limited number of Walt Disney Classics CollectionnewNightmare Before Christmas releases offered at Disneyland® Resort launching with a fall event to be announced. Please look for information to be released regarding the event at DisneyGallery.com. WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resortmay also offer a portion of these special backstamp pieces in the fall. The quantity will be very limited and offered only at these two Disney Theme Parks in the fall.

The special backstamp will be Jack Skellington's head along with the year of film release (pictured above). This special backstamp made its debut in 2000 with the very first releases from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero). Since then, each release from this film was released with the special backstamp in an edition size of 600 except for last year's releases (Scary Teddy and Killer Duck). Scary Teddy and Killer Duck were not released with a special backstamp because of the very small base size of Killer Duck.

The new scene consists of Jack Skellington ("Accolades All Around"), the Corpse Child ("Ghoulish Glee"), Fountain Base ("Frightful Fountain") and Werewolf ("Howling Horror"). All releases are Open Editionexcept for the Werewolf, he is Limited to Production Year 2007.

Complete scene is sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and starting to arrive at Authorized WDCC Dealers this month.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Michael J. Ruocco wrote the following in another blog posting:"The one thing that always bothered me was that they never completed the "Dance of the Hours" scene. I always thought that a sculpture of the elephant with the fish in the bubble would finish off that particular set. Oh well, a man can dream...It would be great to see some of the more secondary characters getting pieces of their own or even characters from movies or shorts that haven't been represented yet, although that request has somewhat been answered with some of the great sculptures in the past year or so."Michael brought up a good point and agree we've been seeing a lot more of these type of characters added over the past year that have been heavily requested. How many scenes out there that might be missing that one character you keep hoping will be added? Do we need a complete scene, have a duplication of characters to just get that one character that we've been longing for them to release?I like how in 2004 they released the White Rabbit ("Royal Fanfare") depicting him in his royal attire (pictured above) and done in the same base as the Croquet Scene (Alice, King & Queen of Hearts and the Card Painter) that made it possible to work him into that scene which he does nicely.

Some others that I personally would like to see done are the following:* Remaining Crows from Dumbo* Black Card Painter with Rose Tree (some roses red, some white, some dripping red) from Alice in Wonderland(preferably a boxed set)* Lady Cluck from Robin Hood

Given that some of these could be very secondary and/or esoteric characters, wondering if best to handle as a Commission Only release?

Wow! Where has the time gone? It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since I decided to start a website on the Walt Disney Classics Collection. It seems like yesterday the website reached it's 5th year.

Knowing the anniversary was coming up this week, found myself reflecting a lot over the past 10 years (making for a nice diversion at work). Like anything, it has had its ups and downs, long hours and the making of both good and bad decisions. It's been a great learning experience, that's for sure .. LOL!

At the end of the day, it's been an experience I wouldn't trade for anything! It has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many great people. To try and list everyone, I would be so afraid of leaving someone out, you all know who you are. Your support and contribution has been greatly appreciated. Words cannot thank you enough. You Rock!

There are two people who I do want to personally thank -- my wife Mary and my daughter Amanda. There were many times over these past 10 years where the website took a lot of time whether working on updates, dealing with situations, on the phone with dealers and/or fellow collectors, etc. and they were always there by my side both supporting and understanding. Thanks SO much!

The biggest thrill for me was this past year was Amanda joining me on the website. I can't describe what an awesome experience this has been and what she's accomplished in such a short time, I see a very bright future for her. I'm SO proud of her!

The line has had it's ups and downs over the years, change of ownership, etc. but has endured celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year and feel the team at Enesco are on the right track. This past year, we have seen some awesome releases and sounds like there are more of the same to follow for the balance of this year and 2008.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Yesterday I featured an image of the inside of Willie's Chest Accessory from the upcoming scene release from Mickey and the Beanstalk, one of the two segments in Disney's Fun and Fancy Free.Above are images taken this past weekend of the Singing Harp ("Beautiful Diversion"). Please Note: The above images of the Singing Harp is a first porcelain prototype and the colors will be adjusted slightly including on her face.What stood out to me when I saw in person, are her wings and how detailed they are. It's even hard to tell in the above image the delicate coloring and detail of them. Her Harp is plussed with 11 brass wire harp strings.When Mickey and the Beanstalk was first announced, Babette asked the following:"OK time for a Disney trivia type of question. Maybe it's just my perception, but knowing that Fun and Fancy Free was released prior to Peter Pan, I can't help but wonder if Marc Davis was the animator for the Singing Harp? She has many similar facial & hair characteristics to Tinker Bell which we know Marc was the lead animator on."In the Encyclopedia of Animated Characters and there wasn't a mention of Marc but found the following that was quite interesting:... the magical Singing Harp; we see this golden character, a sort of cross between Marilyn Monroe and a musical instrument, singing on the balcony of the castle.Interesting that she is compared to Marilyn Monroe as is Tinker Bell. I think I read somewhere regarding Tinker Bell, Marilyn Monroe's popularity hadn't hit yet at the time of Peter Pan, hence the possibility of Tinker Bell based on Marilyn Monroe wasn't valid. Given Fun & Fancy Free was released prior to Peter Pan, even more valid, not based on Marilyn but interesting how both characters are compared to her.Upon seeing in person, you do notice a somewhat similarity to Tinker Bell and also her hair is very much like Cinderella in the Ballroom sequence of that film.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Part of the Third Quarter unveiling was a new scene capturing the moment when Mickey Mouse frees Goofy, Donald and the Singing Harp who were locked in a box by Willie the Giant, owner of the Castle.

Above, is a digital image showing the inside of Willie's Chest Accessory. The box (as well las spool of thread and key) are sculpted in resin. This digital image shows the inside of the box. At first glance, you question if the inner walls of the box are resin or actually fabric, this is how well it was done. Actually had to touch it to determine. It is in fact resin.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Today marks the 65th Anniversary of the animated classis Bambi! Bambi is fifth animated featureproduced by Walt Disneyand originally released to theatres by RKO Radio Pictures on August 13, 1942. The film is based on the 1923 Bambi, A Life in the Woodsby Austrian author Felix Salten.

Pre-production began in 1936 and was intended to be Disney's second full-length animated film after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Disney's perfection and quest for realism delayed the project significantly, so Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), The Reluctant Dragon (1941) and Dumbo (1941) were released earlier than Bambi.

The most recent release from the Walt Disney Classics Collection is the classic winter scene (pictured above) an Open Edition scene released in November, 2005, featuring Bambi, Thumper and Flower. The scene also includes a Frozen Pond Base, released in January 2006. Scene sculpted by Kent Melton and marks the first time Kent has had an opportunity to sculpt Bambi (he was always hopeful he would have a chance).

Sunday, August 12, 2007

As we're anticipating the upcoming 4th Quarter releases, a few hints were released during The Gallery of the Lakes Signing Event with Dusty Horner on Saturday, August 11th. Here is what we can look forward to in 2008!

*A new sculpture will be released in February 2008 that will be part of a current scene release!*A past Series will see a new release!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Pleasure Island is a fictional amusement park in Disney's animated classic, Pinocchio. Located in the fictional land of Cocagne, Pleasure Island serves as a haven for wayward boys, allowing them to drink, smoke, and vandalize without recrimination. One of those boys is Lampwick, a tough bully of a boy that Pinocchiobefriends. He smokes, drinks, plays pool, and then gets turned into a donkey.

September 2006, Walt Disney Classics Collection released a new scene from the Pleasure Island Sequence (pictured above) that marked the WDCC debut of Lampwick. In addition to Pinocchio & Lampwick, the scene also included Jiminy Cricket and a Pool Table Base. The entire scene was sculpted by Dusty Horner.

Hopefully this is the beginning of more releases from the Pleasure Island Sequence .. the Coachman (The Coachman is sinister, and maybe diabolic and runs Pleasure Island), Pinocchio as a Donkey Boy and Alexander (A terrified little boy who gets turned into a donkey, but only wants to go home to his "mama").Trivia: Lampwick is a caricature of Disney animator Fred Moore.

I receive emails from collectors looking for pieces that are either retired and/or no longer available through authorized WDCC dealers and/or the Theme Parks. Recently, a much sought after piece is Robin Hood.

Many emails in the past few weeks are from collectors looking for Robin Hood ("Romantic Rogue"). It's ironic the popularity of this character/sculpture since its retirement that eluded it when initially released. Haven't received emails on the other releases (Maid Marian, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham, the remaining original releases from this film), so unable to gauge the sudden interest in this particular character.

When initially released, I don't believe there was strong interest in these characters, hence sales weren't robust and thwarted any chances of more releases from this film. A great pose was chosen for Robin Hood and translated into a well executed sculpture. Why wasn't this scene more popular and why the sudden interest now?

Until recently, mine were in storage and had the opportunity to put back on display this past weekend. As I unpacked each piece (Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Prince John & Sir Hiss), I marveled at how well each sculpt was done and the detail specifically on Prince John & Sir Hiss. My only regret, they never did Lady Cluck or The Rooster/Alan-A-Dale.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

"Be watching for a future blog update for a special drawing for readers of The Duckman's Inside Report and Duckman's Blog!"

Cel-Ebration! to coincide with The Duckman's Inside Report's10th Anniversary on August 17th is having a special drawing for a $50.00 Gift Certificateexclusive to readers of The Duckman's Inside Report and Duckman's Blog! The Gift Certificate can be used towards any Ratatouille item or any other store purchase!All you need to do is email Cel-Ebration! at cel-ebration@monmouth.com your name, address and email address and you'll be registered for this Duckman Only Promotion. All entries must be received by Thursday, August 16th at midnight. Drawing will be on Friday, August 17th!

On the menu is the East Coast PREMIERE of new artwork from Disney Pixar’s ‘Ratatouille’. Show dates are August 11 thru September 8, 2007. The public is invited but RSVP’s are a must.CEL-EBRATION! Gallery is located at 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank NJ. For more information please call 732 842-8489, or visit the website at www.cel-ebration.com.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Sizing was received today for Captain Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow that were unveiled as part of the Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon Event held May, 2007 at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Complete information for both sculptures are as follows:Captain Barbossa: "Black-hearted Brigand"Size: 13-3/4"Type of Release: Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 2,500SRP: $275.00 USEvent Date: Winter Premiere Event December 1-2, 2007Sculptor: Tim BrucknerCaptain Jack Sparrow: "Swashbuckling Scoundrel"Size: 12"Type of Release: Open EditionSRP: $275.00 USSculptor: Tim BrucknerCaptain Jack Sparrow will be making his debut with Captain Barbossa December 2007 at authorized WDCC dealers participating in the Captain Barbossa Event. There will be at least one dealer display of Captain Jack Sparrow offered to participating dealers in the Captain Barbossa Premiere Event, possibly more quantities available at these participating dealers to purchase and take home during that winter premiere weekend. Captain Jack Sparrow will then be more widely available following the event at authorized WDCC dealers.Each piece can be displayed on its own, or together as a pair. With Pirates plundering the year, a Winter Premiere Event will be held in lieu of the traditional Fall Premiere Event.Photography not available yet.

In 2005, the Signature Series release from the Walt Disney Classics Collection was from the animated classic, Peter Pan. This release marked the second appearance of the Darling Children (Wendy, Michael and John) and the debuts of the Indian Chief (Tiger Lily's father), the Lost Boys and (and my personal favorite) Tiger Lily.

I was finally able to put this magnificent scene on display this past weekend and can't help but marvel what an awesome job Dusty Horner did in not only bringing this 2D scene to life but also these characters from one of my favorite Disney films!

"Fireside Celebration" was a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,000 and included a wooden base (pictured above) that gave collectors the choice to display with the base or without. I chose the latter.

Some have argued that it should have been released as a scene (each sculpt sold individually) vs. labeled as a Signature release since not a singular sculpt like "Soup's On!" (2000) or a multiple sculpt like "Off to the Ball" (2001), "The Finishing Touch" (2002) and "Magical Maelstrom" (2006). Personally, it doesn't matter whether a singular sculpt or scene that consists of multiple pieces but does the scene warrant itself a signature moment from the film chosen? Fireside Celebration does just that. One of my favorites of the Signature Series releases and one I will enjoy for years to come!

Some Peter Pan Trivia:

When Walt Disney was a child, he played Peter Pan in a school function.

This film marked two "lasts" for Disney:1) This was the final Disney film in which all nine members of the Nine Old Men worked together on it as directing animators.2) It was the last full-length Disney animated film distributed by RKO. All of Disney's films after early 1954 would be distributed by Buena Vista, as well as all of the post-1954 re-releases of his earlier films.

Friday, August 3, 2007

DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp is an animated filmreleased by The Walt Disney Company on August 03, 1990 based on the animated series Ducktales. Happy Anniversary Ducktales!

In this film, Scrooge McDuck, Huey, Dewey and Louie, Webbigail "Webby" Vanderquack and Launchpad McQuacksearch for the treasure of Collie Baba and his forty thieves. They find a magic lamp and a genie that can grant them all kinds of wishes. Unfortunately, Merlock the Magician wants that lamp, and he and his sidekick, Dijon the Thief, would do anything to get their hands on it.

The film was not a financial success theatrically (possibly why its never been considered for a WDCC release), having to face competition from other larger-scale summer family releases like Problem Child (which is probably what caused the proposed Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers film to be shelved and the Goof Troop film A Goofy Movieto not bear the Goof Troop name or have any linkage to Goof Troop) and caused all planned DuckTales films to be shelved as well (there were plans for there to be several DuckTales movies following this film). Critics in the USA generally considered the film an Indiana Jonesrip-off and a betrayal to Carl Bark'sUncle Scrooge comic books which DuckTales was based on. Noted movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebertdidn't even bother reviewing this film for their Siskel & Ebert & The Moviesprogram. Overseas, however, critics were generally kinder to the film. The film retains a fan following today.

In 2004, Walt Disney Classics Collection released Scrooge McDuck ("A Pool of Riches"), an Open Edition release sculpted by Bruce Lau. This sculpture capturesUncle Scrooge as he dives around his money like a porpoise - just as he does in the classic comic book stories by Disney artist Carl Barks. Included with the Scrooge sculpture is a lithograph of the Carl Barks comic art that inspired it, from the classic 1952 story "Only a Poor Old Man" from the first issue of "Uncle Scrooge."

As a fan of both Uncle Scrooge and DuckTales, still have hopes for something from this animated film to be considered for a future WDCC release. There are such memorable characters from this film.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

When the Walt Disney Classics Collection created the Dancing Blue Version of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, did Flora slip in a little pink? Did Fauna mix a little of both (heavier on the blue)? Did Merryweather win out and get a true blue version?

There has been two versions of this sculpture released and some even question if three. Received the following email from fellow collector Koen after purchasing a blue version of the Dancing Aurora:

"I just received "A Dance in the Clouds"', the blue version. I was wondering if I had the light blue or dark blue version. When I checked the Secondary Guide, I noticed that mine seems darker than the light version, but lighter than the dark version. Is there anyway how you can recognize them? Is the dark version with a certain production mark? On the board someone mentioned that the light version, aurora has a white sash around her waist. Is that correct, cause i've never seen one with a white sash."

From information I've received, there have only been two versions - a darker (first release) and lighter (second and current version). Dancing Aurora and Prince Phillip made their debut in 1997 in what we refer to as the darker version. This version can be described as a very dark blue, almost purple in coloring -- think a bluish-purple. I personally was very disappointed, feeling the color is way off when you compare to the coloring of her dress in the film which is a much lighter blue. The photo in the Secondary Guide for the darker version is a few shades lighter than what the actual sculpt looks in person. In the photo marked 1st Version-Darker Blue, you can see the pink shading which gives it more of a purple vs. blue coloring.

I came across the lighter blue version 'window shopping' one day, seeing for the first time and stopped dead in my tracks! I immediately returned to work, contacted WDAC and was told a production change was made and the sculpture was being done in a lighter blue vs. the darker version as originally released. YES! They got it right!! The lighter version is much softer in coloring, definitely a light blue (sure to make Merryweather proud ) and looks awesome when displayed with the Pink Version.

The main photo for the Dancing Aurora and Prince Phillip in the Secondary Guide is an image of the lighter blue-2nd version but the photo depicts the blue actually darker than the actual sculpt. If you look at the photo further down on that page, 2nd/Current Version-Lighter Blue Version and/or the two close-up images, it is closer in coloring to the actual sculpture. A much lighter blue than the original, closer in coloring to her dress in the film and similar in coloring to the 2002 Gold Circle Exclusive ("Love's First Kiss").

There are in fact only two versions -- the original darker version and the second/current lighter version. Both are done in an opalescent paint and the trim on the collar and bodice are slightly lighter in coloring than the overall gown on both versions. As with anything hand-painted, there are going to be color variations. I know this for fact when I had to replace my pink version. I saw trim and bodice's both lighter and darker in coloring than mine and have seen the same with the blue version. It's possible on some that the trim was painted in a lighter tone that could appear white vs. a light blue. I've seen something similar on both the blue and pink versions.

As far as Production Marks, the only markings that have been reported to me by collectors has been the markings from 1997-2001. Can't recall which year I saw the lighter blue version for the first time. To start, if you have the 2002 Gold Circle Exclusive, try comparing your Dancing Aurora to the Sleeping Aurora.

Hope this helps and if any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

From JimHillMedia.com (courtesy of Jeff)Speaking of quality ... As part of our interview, Leonard Maltin had to take a moment to talk up the next three titles in the Disney Treasures DVD Series. "First up is 'Oswald the Lucky Rabbit,' " Maltin continued. "This two-disc set will feature several newly restored versions of these black & white silent cartoons. Some of which will now have an full orchestral track while others will feature just organ accompaniment. This DVD will also include Leslie Iwerk's great documentary, 'The Hand Behind the Mouse,' about her grandfather Ub Iwerks."Also included in this "Disney Treasures" release is the oft-delayed "Disneyland: Secrets, Stories and Magic" as well as "The Chronological Donald -- Volume 3." The latter will include intriguing extras like a featurette that documents Donald's many cameo appearances in feature films as well as an interview with noted Disney character sculptor Ruben Procopio, who will demonstrate how you take a two-dimensional character like Donald Duck and change him into a 3D sculpture.

Hmmm ... Wondering if we could see the debut of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and a newDonald Duck joining the line in the near future?